Charity hits out at Compact terms

A children's charity has criticised a new Compact from Essex County
Council as overly "bureaucratic and patronising".

The Colchester Carers Centre says the document was prepared in secret
and tells charities that they must obey laws on governance.

"We have the Commission for Social Care Inspection, the Charity
Commission and Companies House," said Shirley Cuthew, company secretary
at the centre, which supports parents of disabled children. "If we
didn't have all the regulators the local authorities wouldn't be in
partnership with us. I don't see why it needs to be spelled out. It's
almost like bashing the voluntary sector."

She added that her charity was not given the chance to influence the
draft Compact. "They are just going through the motions," she said.

Two years ago, Cuthew refused a £9,500 grant from the council
because of the associated bureaucracy.

But she praised Colchester Borough Council's Compact as short, succinct
and inclusive.

Have you registered with us yet?

Already registered?

If you see a comment you find offensive, you can flag it as inappropriate. In the top right-hand corner of an individual comment, you will see 'flag as inappropriate'. Clicking this prompts us to review the comment. For further information see our rules for commenting on articles.